Manitoba’s Crumbling Roads a Concern for Paramedics

The poor condition of Manitoba’s crumbling infrastructure could impact the care patients receive in the event of a medical emergency, say paramedics.

The Paramedic Association of Manitoba has weighed in on the popular topic of the state of the province’s roads, both urban and rural.

“The condition of our roads should not be a factor in how patients are assessed, treated and transported in a time of need, but in this province, it is,” said Jodi Possia, chair of the Paramedic Association of Manitoba.

Data from CAA Manitoba shows nearly 150,000 patients are transported by ground ambulance each year in the province. More than 10,000 of those transported are across Manitoba highways from rural hospitals to Winnipeg. CAA says in these critical moments, paramedics are forced to consider the route they take, to and from a call.

“Uneven road surfaces and traffic congestion are annoyances Manitoba motorists have learned to accept,” said Mike Mager, president and CEO of CAA Manitoba. “What we forget is the different types of road users, and how these minor annoyances for us, can seriously impact the care and comfort of those in need of medical care.”

Halfway through CAA’s Worst Roads campaign, over 2,700 votes have been cast for over 300 roads in the province. Voting closes April 23.